14 November 2025

Mikaela Blows
3 hours ago
6 min read

This week Mrs Mintoft and Mr Liddington took three students to London with a special invitation from the Western Front Association. Oliver Elford (Year 10), completed a research project on the DHSB Old Boys who died during WW1. Oliver's project was one of the winners of a special award that enabled him and two others to join the Remembrance day parade at the Cenotaph on Tuesday.

The three boys, Luke Madgett (Year 12), Lewis Dickens (Year 11) and Oliver laid wreaths at Victoria Station for the Unknown Warrior's arrival back in Britain at 8:32pm on the 10th of November 1920. Then on Tuesday the 11th at 11:02 the boys laid their wreath on the Cenotaph. The boys were exemplary in their conduct and were a real credit to the school and themselves. A truly once in a lifetime experience and a privilege to represent the school at this poignant event.

Mr Liddington

Teacher of Humanities

*Image from the Western Front Association's Facebook page taken at the 11am service at the Cenotaph.*

*Our boys in Whitehall after the service*

*The wreath laying service at Victoria Station*

DHSB Remembers

The students and staff at DHSB remembered the fallen and celebrated the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts, with a Remembrance Assembly on Monday.

During the assembly, students looked at the Battle of Britain, a military campaign often described as the most important victory for Britain in the entire Second World War and the first major battle in history fought entirely in the air, music played and stories by some of our students were shared. The Roll of Honour was read by our prefects and the last post was played before 2 minutes silence was observed.

On Tuesday, a wreath was hung on the entrance gates and decorated with poppies by the Year 7 Charity Representatives from each House and the School Captain.

Lessons from Auschwitz Project

Each year, the Holocaust Educational Trust organises visits to the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau as part of its Lessons from Auschwitz project, and this year, six of us were privileged to take part in this deeply meaningful programme. The project includes an orientation seminar, a one-day visit to Auschwitz I and II, a follow-up seminar, and a “Next Steps” initiative, which encourages participants to share their experiences as ambassadors for the Trust. Our visit to Auschwitz on 12th November was a profoundly moving and humbling experience that brought the reality of the Holocaust into sharp focus in a way no classroom lesson ever could. Standing on the grounds where countless lives were taken was both heartbreaking and eye-opening, reminding us of the importance of remembrance and the responsibility we all share to challenge prejudice and hatred wherever they exist. It is an experience that will stay with us for years to come, shaping how we understand history and our role in ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.

Lilly, El, Liga, Claudia, Leila, Chloe

Sixth Form Students

DHSB Charity Bake Sale for BBC Children in Need

Today, our House Captains led a fantastic charity bake sale in support of BBC Children in Need. The event was a huge success, raising an impressive £341.67 for this wonderful cause. We are incredibly grateful for all the generous cake donations from students, staff, and families - the tables were overflowing with delicious treats!

The boys were enthusiastic customers, showing great spirit as they supported the event and enjoyed the bakes on offer. Thank you to everyone who contributed, baked, or bought. Together, we’ve made a real difference.

Alex Doogan of 7T baked some lovely brownies for children in need

DHSB Careers Education Provision

At DHSB, we are committed to ensuring that every student is supported to explore, understand, and shape their future. As part of this commitment, we are actively working towards achieving the Quality in Careers Standard (QICS) and the Investors in Careers (IIC) Award. These nationally recognised frameworks celebrate schools that deliver high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG), and provide a clear structure for ongoing development.

Achieving and sustaining these standards demonstrates that careers provision is not an add-on but a core part of our students’ educational experience. We work closely with employers, apprenticeship providers, colleges, universities, and independent guidance professionals to ensure that our students gain meaningful encounters and real insight into the world of work. This helps them to make well-informed decisions and to develop the skills and confidence they need for success beyond school.

Our commitment is shared across the school community. Staff receive ongoing training, students are guided through personalised pathways, and parents and carers are supported with clear information about opportunities. By continually reviewing and developing our CEIAG programme, we ensure it remains ambitious, inclusive, and inspiring - helping every student to aim high and plan for a successful future.

If you have any comments about our Careers Education provision that you would like to share please email: careers@dhsb.org

Mr Scott

Leader of Careers & PSHE

Head of Computer Science

Well done DHSB!

DHSB has won a FFT attendance award. We are in the top 10% of similar schools for attendance for the academic year 2024/25. Last year, we received a certificate for being in the top 25% of similar schools so this is great news. Keep attending!

Update on the DHSB School Bus Service

Please take a moment to read the email regarding the DHSB School Bus Service which was sent to parents and carers today, as it contains updates and information regarding new stops, passes and adhoc bookings.

8T Biology

Students in 8T learned about the different parts of the digestive system. They had to draw the organs, write the function on the back and stick it to the correct location on the body of their partner. The students really enjoyed the activity, and of course they were all winners.

Mrs Hicks

Teacher of Science

Student News and Achievements

Ethan Stewart (Year 8) competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Europeans Kids No Gi competition in Dublin at the weekend and returned with a Gold medal and the title of IBJJF European No Gi Champion which is the highest level attainable. This was after winning double Gold at the Devon Open, a local competition held before Ethan flew to Dublin!

It was a huge opportunity for Ethan who was sponsored by his sponsor to compete at this level and has been training hard since his previous appearance in May at the IBJJF in Rome.

Well done Ethan!

Tristan de Rochefort-Roper has gained a Distinction in Grade 8 violin which is an amazing, and thoroughly deserved, achievement. He scored 142/150 which is very impressive in this demanding exam.

Well done Tristan!

Bill Higginson (Year 10), Member of Youth Parliament recently attended the House of Commons. Here is a review by Plymouth City Council, shared on their Facebook page...

Year 7 student, Eddie Melhuish, won a first place position for his recital of the poem 'Strict' by Michael Rosen at the Plymouth Speech Festival held on 13 November. He also won a bronze medal for his sight reading.

Eddie has taken part in the festival every year since he was seven and achieved great success, winning many acting and speech awards.

Well done, Eddie!

Year 9 student, Adit Sobti participated in the City of Plymouth Instrumental, Speech and Drama Festival and won three medals. He took 1st Prize for Grade 4 Piano, 2nd Prize for Piano Solo, Own choice and 3rd Prize for Sight Reading.

Well done, Adit!

Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader

Each week we celebrate our highest performers in both Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader, two of our core homework platforms. We are proud of all of our students who complete their homework each week to such a high standard but these students deserve a special mention.

Congratulations!

PTFA News

We had a great meeting this week. A big thank you to everyone who came along. Top of the agenda was our popular forthcoming Christmas Disco on the 7th December for students of DHSB, DHSG and PHSG (plus their guests), Years 7 - 9. Please note, the event is at the same venue, with a new name - Spirit, formerly Fever, on Derry’s Cross.

Tickets are selling fast so please don’t delay to avoid disappointment. THERE WILL BE NO TICKET SALES ON THE DOOR.

Follow this link for full details:

Please spread the word!

Our next meeting is the 14th January, 6.30pm, please come along if you can - we’d love to meet you.

Facebook

Any questions, email ptfa@dhsb.org

Sports News and Results

Under 14 Badminton

The Under 14 Central Venue Badminton League got underway on Tuesday evening in the school Sports Hall. DHSB made an excellent start, securing a convincing 5–0 victory over Stoke Damerel before narrowly losing 3–2 to a strong Torbridge side. The standard of play throughout the evening was exceptionally high, with many matches going right down to the wire. It was a fantastic display of skill, determination, and teamwork from all players involved.

Mr Strang

Teacher of PE Head of Year 7

Table Tennis

There were outstanding results at Wednesday's Table Tennis Team Championships! Huge congratulations go to the U13, U16, and U19 teams who all secured the title of County Champions, ensuring their place in the next stage of the competition.

Well played!